In France, non-operative management (NOM) is not the widely accepted treatment for penetrating wounds. The aim of our study was to evaluate the feasibility of NOM for the treatment of penetrating abdominal traumas at 3 hospitals in the Southeast of France.

Our study was multicentric and retroprospective from January, 2010 to September, 2013. Patients presenting with a penetrating abdominal stab wound (SW) or gunshot wound (GSW) were included in the study. Those with signs of acute abdomen or hemodynamic instability had immediate surgery. Patients who were hemodynamically stable had a CT scan with contrast. If no intra-abdominal injury requiring surgery was evident, patients were observed. Criteria evaluated were failed NOM and its morbidity, rate of non-therapeutic procedures (NTP) and their morbidity, length of hospital stay and cost analysis.

One hundred patients were included in the study. One patient died at admission. Twenty-seven were selected for NOM (20 SW and 7 GSW). Morbidity rate was 18%. Failure rate was 7.4% (2 patients) and there were no mortality. Seventy-two patients required operation of which 22 were NTP. In this sub-group, the morbidity rate was 9%. There were no mortality. Median length of hospital stay was 4 days for the NOM group and 5.5 days for group requiring surgery. Cost analysis showed an economic advantage to NOM.

Implementation of NOM of penetrating trauma is feasible and safe in France. Indications may be extended even for some GSW. Clinical criteria are clearly defined but CT scan criteria should be better described to improve patient selection. NOM reduced costs and length of hospital stay.